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“An important feature of the forum was the opportunity for ministers to hear and talk with representatives of selected seniors’ organizations about their perspectives on what is being done, and can be done, to advance the well-being of seniors.”

At the forum, panelists challenged Ministers to consider the impacts of the fact that seniors are now living two decades longer. It was stated that the emergence of this new stage in the human life cycle will require rethinking of the issues affecting seniors. The representatives noted that flexibility in labor market and pension programs will be needed to accommodate seniors’ desire to remain in the workforce. Further, public attitudes about older adults could also be influenced through government initiatives that promote healthy aging and the active role of seniors’ as contributors to society.

Dr. Tom Hall of Summerside was one of the three representatives invited to address Ministers and officials. In his address, Hall shared his observations of the baby boomer generation as they have gone through the school system, joined the work force, raised families and are now moving into the “young old” period of their senior years.

“With the leading edge of the baby boomers turning 60 this year and subsequently retiring, there will be major impacts including a shortage of labor,” said Dr. Hall. “Another major impact will be on programs and services related to seniors - how are we planning to address these challenges?”

Other panel members who addressed the forum included Sister Anne Robichaud of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on Seniors and Dr. Patricia Baird of the British Columbia Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors Issues.

Over the last year, Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors advanced collaborative work on a number of fronts, including developing a profile on the social isolation of seniors in Canada, examining key determinants of seniors’ healthy aging and organizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities. Efforts will continue in many jurisdictions including Prince Edward Island to increase awareness of elder abuse.

“Being able to meet with ministers and officials from across Canada with the same portfolio to share information and best practices is extremely important,” added Gillan. “Of course, each of our jurisdictions has its own uniqueness. However, as a country, it is important to collaborate on national issues such as our aging population and the common challenges and opportunities this presents.”

Prince Edward Island has the second highest number of seniors in Canada at just over 14 per cent of the population or 20,000 residents, aged 65 plus.

BACKGROUNDER

Facts on Aging in Canada:

• The proportion of seniors has grown from 1 in 21 in 1921 to 1 in 8 in 2001.

• Today, over 4 million seniors represent about 12 per cent of Canada’s population.

• By 2031, 1 in 4 Canadians will be 65 plus.

• In 2001, about five per cent of men and nine per cent of women over the age of 65 lived in health care institutions; most were 85 years or older (Statistics Canada).

• The percentage of adults in health care institutions has actually declined since 1981.

• Most seniors maintain independent lives and manage their own personal care.

• The National Advisory Council on Aging estimates that three million retired older adults spend five billion hours of their time each year on productive activities, which contributes approximately $60 billion to Canada’s economy.

Myths of Aging (Source: Successful Aging by John Rowe and Robert Kahn):

Myth #1 – To Be Old Is To Be Sick

• Most seniors maintain independent lives and manage their own personal care.

• Most older adults live in the community, not in institutions.

Myth #2 – You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

• Research shows that older people can, and do, learn new things and they learn them well.

• Three key features that predict mental function in old age: (1) regular physical activity, (2) a strong social support system, and (3) belief in one’s ability to handle what life has to offer.

Myth #3 – The Elderly Don’t Pull Their Own Weight

• The accusation that older people are burdens rather then contributors to society is a strong public assumption that is unfounded.

• A significant number of older adults work part time or volunteer their time. Others provide informal, much-needed assistance to family members, friends and neighbors.

Myth #4 – The Lights May Be On, But The Voltage Is Low”

• This suggests that older men and women are sexless, or at least uninterested in sex. Research shows that while there is some truth to these beliefs, it is far more fiction than fact. It is important to distinguish between sex itself and many other forms of physical intimacy.